Systemic inflammatory response syndrome
(SIRS) is a collection of signs that
the body is reacting to a range of injuries
or illnesses (Box 2), and is not specific to
infection. The body may respond by
raising the heart or respiratory rate to
increase the amount of oxygen – by
altering body temperature or increasing
white cell production – to overcome infection.
Raised blood sugars and new confusion
or an altered mental state may be early
signs of metabolic stress or hypoxia (Survive
Sepsis Organisation, 2009). Although pathways, leading to vasodilatation, vessel
leakage and increased metabolic demands.
This effect increases oxygen demand
which, combined with intravascular losses,
causes hypoperfusion and ischaemia at cellular
levels (Porth, 2005). At this stage, there
will be signs of severe sepsis and evidence of
organ dysfunction away from the primary
source of infection (Box 3).